Above a certain temperature threshold, organisms find it increasingly difficult to function. Experts from WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature) warn this, and they can also die. The high heat that affects us so much to people, also affects animals. Depending on what type and species it is, changes begin to be noticed. We can find declines in livestock production and population reductions in the most sensitive species. For more information on livestock production, see how heat affects animals.
It also affects the flora, an excess of heat, and accompanied by little rain, causes for example that the flowers dry out. Bees cannot produce as much nectar. At times like this, this production drops. During the first hours of the day, they can dedicate themselves to collecting nectar. After that, then they should leave it, to cool the hive with water and keep it between 32-35ºC.
How does it affect birds?
A heat wave in season where there are reproductions, causes that the species that are raising their young, it costs them more to find water. With fewer predictable drinkers, causes an increase in energy to search for more water and streamline it. That has a direct impact on the number of chickens that survive.
It is also being observed that birds associated with grasslands are becoming less green with rising temperatures. The reproduction of birds is falling, and in parallel, also insectivorous birds. The latter are correlated with the number of flowers available. In this context, it is important to understand the impact of heat waves on wildlife, especially considering that heat waves are a key factor. Furthermore, climate change is generating an increase in temperatures that also influences these reproductive processes. To understand how heat affects wildlife, it is suggested to review the extreme heat alert.
How are they protected?
On the one hand the birds They use their plumage as an air conditioner. It is a very common system in many species. For example, people use our hair as a refrigerator partially in summer, so that the temperature does not get too high. Equally and intuitively it protects us from the cold in winter.
Urban birds have a better chance of survival In urban areas, there are usually places with regular food and water, such as irrigation. This makes it easier for them to thrive. A good way to help mitigate the effects of heat on birds is to place water troughs or pots of water. To better understand how they defend themselves against these extreme conditions, it is suggested to review the relationship between animals and climate change.
In general, animals react to heat in a very similar way to humans. They slow down their work rate, seek refuge in the shade, and high temperatures can cause metabolic problems. There are some, such as dogs, who are more sensitive to heat than we think. Since they are unable to sweat to cool themselves, we can see them lying on the ground in search of cool air, panting. For a more in-depth analysis, see heat waves in animals.
How does it affect reptiles?
In them we find that, from about 32ºC centigrade It affects them during sex when they reproduce. That is, more females are bornThe balance that usually exists between the sexes is changing. This aspect is relevant when considering how climate is modifying the dynamics of reptile populations.
They are ectothermic animals; they cannot generate their own heat. Just as in low temperatures, their metabolic reactions decrease and their activity level slows down; they are sensitive to high temperatures. In this case, biochemical reactions get out of balance and the activity of the proteins involved in them, the enzymes, is altered or may even be reduced. To better understand this phenomenon, it is recommended to read on the heat island effect.
How does it affect the fish?
When the water temperature level rises, they tend to move to other areas.. Seabirds, which we have not mentioned before, are for example the harmed here. To search for food, they usually have to travel longer distances. And it also affects their physical wear and tear on their young.
In the case of fish, they are animals that usually live in very stable temperatures. In the air environment the temperature varies a lot, but in the aquatic environment the variations are more stable. Thus, each species has "its region." We have some fish that can live in icy waters of the pole, and others in very hot waters. But the variation of temperatures in its waters will directly affect its population. If they can find refuge elsewhere, they will; otherwise, any rise or fall in temperature will reduce their population from its optimal temperature level.
